Marika Magic makes bodies shaplier before the workout and after, too

by glow bass

Long ago, when working out was still relatively novel, and Jane Fonda was still rocking leg warmers, most women didn’t pay much attention to whether or not their outfit included a body shaper, as long as their bodies were hard at work, getting in shape! But today’s woman want to look good no matter when or where she is, including working out. She’s gotten some unlikely help in the form of Marika Magic, a collection of high-tech but affordable, body-shaping Active-Wear in a natural fabric–cotton.

This sounded pretty nifty…I just had to try it.

If you work out a lot, you know that most of the sports bras flatten you down (so you don’t jiggle, I guess) but they are also seriously unflattering and sometimes, even uncomfortable. If you’re doing yoga, or working out on a stairmaster, lifting weights,etc. you don’t need a bra that enfolds you like an iron lung. But you do need one with support. The same goes for your bottom half. While you’re working on those “abs of steel” you might as well get a little help that doesn’t come from Mother Nature (why not take advantage of technology)?

This new, Marika Magic line is the budget-minded (or more budget minded) collection from the Marika Miracles line. Both feature cotton stretch fabric and body shaping benefits. I didn’t try the shaping items for your bottom half,that use power mesh to fabric to flatten and sculpt the abdomen, with strategically-placed hidden seams for uplift and shaping other select areas. But I can speak to the issue of sports bras. There are three different designs of sports bras in this collection, with a Coolmax®-lined front bodice: Uplift Sports Bra, with adjustable sides (MC2026, in White, Heather Charcoal, Black, Purple or Black Radio Wave print, or Black Crystal print); Convertible Sports Bra with Uplift, with convertible straps (MC2085, in Black, White or Heather Charcoal); and Smooth Shaped Sports Bra with Uplift, with adjustable hook and eye closure and power mesh trim detail (MC2084, in Black, White or Carbon), each with a suggested retail of $32. The first two of these have customizable removable bump pads, and the last has molded cups.

I tried the My sample was the nifty Magic Uplifting Bra srp. $32.00. Mine was basic black, but as you can see, it comes in a print as well. The sizes are small, medium, large and extra large. I normally would get a medium to medium large, and this large was “spacious.” But the adjustable sides with three different (and substantial) hook closures, made it easy to customize the fit, and the cups, covered me without squeezing. The bra features a double layer shelf for additional support, side openings so you can remove the pads if you don’t want the extra uplift and shaping (although why purchase a bra that shapes you if you don’t care if you’re flattened down)?

Sports bras can be fairly hot and sticky, even if they have some coolmax in them, but this bra is 89% Cotton and 11% Spandex. While a comfy/cool bra top is essential when you life and work out in a hot, humid climate, it still makes sense to wear workout clothing that breathes and lets you work out in comfort. I boxed wearing the bra, lifted weights, did cardio…the bra was really comfortable, and didn’t leave a sweat puddle where the band sits, or leave the front, soggy. That was nice, and the face that I could have a shape while working out, didn’t hurt!

Obviously, working out is just that: hard work, but if you look and are comfortable, you will do better….you really, really will. That’s all there is to it.

There are a bunch of other Marika Magic items. Marika Magic Tops, all with a front bodice lined with Coolmax®, include Tummy Control Tee (MC3539, in Black or White, $36SR); Waist Cincher Surplice Tank, with removable cup pads and Coolmax® front cup lining (MC3362, in Black or Heather Charcoal, $40SR); and Tummy Control Tank with Uplift, with customizable removable bump pads for enhanced uplift and Coolmax® front cup lining (MC3091, in Black, Heather Charcoal, Purple or Black Radio Wave print, and Black or Blue Crystal print, $42SR).

Bottoms include four shorter Tummy Control choices, all with a power-mesh lined waistband and Coolmax® gusset: Tummy Control Skort (MC5804, in Black, $36SR), Bermuda, Capri Legging and Capri (MC5127, $32 SR, 5323, $34SR and 5125, $34SR respectively, each available in Black or Black with Radio Wave waistband). Full-length choices, all with Coolmax® gusset are the thigh-slenderizing Slimming Pant, (MC5079, in Black, $40SR) Butt Uplifter Pant with removable pads and butt booster (MC5220, in Black, $42SR), and Tummy Control Pant (MC630 in Black, Heather Charcoal, or Black with a choice of Crystal print detail, $38SR).

Marika, fFounded in 1982, incorporates innovative performance materials and technology in all of its versatile apparel designs. In addition to the Marika brand itself, Marika also manufactures and markets the contemporary Balance Collection. Marika products are widely available nationwide, and at www.marika.com

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